MOM WITHOUT MAKEUP: Andrea Goto
So I wear makeup. Sometimes. Not to the gym because that’s just suspicious, and not to drop off my 5-year-old daughter at preschool because I’m too busy cutting peanut-free sandwiches into heart shapes. I shower and apply makeup before I pick her up, which makes the teachers and other moms think I have a nanny who refuses to comb her hair or wear anything other than running shorts. See, I got this.
The point is, this blog is about me. The me without the makeup; the me who isn’t afraid to put it all out there for your entertainment. It’s a candid presentation of my life in many forms–as a 30-something mother, wife, daughter, sister, writer, professor, etc. etc. etc.
You can’t make this stuff up. And most of it I don’t.
AND HERE’S A SHOUT-OUT TO MY CAST AND CREW:
THE HUSBAND. We’ve known each other for 15 years, and have been married eleven. He teaches comics, eats cereal in his underwear, and still asks me what Ava wants for dinner. But in spite of his habitual brokenness, I could not live without him. Cliche, yes. But also true.
He’s also the most attentive father I’ve ever met. OK, “attentive” is a euphemism. He’s downright overprotective. I called Ava “Kobe Beef” for the first two years because he would not let her feet touch the ground for fear of defilement. Somehow, she is turning out OK.
THE CHOSEN ONE (aka Ava). Our 5-year-old child can’t decide if she’s a princess or a superhero, thus she became Wonder Woman. Then Batgirl. She is and forever will be an only child, simply because “if it ain’t broke…”
She constantly reminds me–as well as complete strangers–that “we don’t say ‘stupid.’” She also assures me that I’m the coolest person on the planet. This will change, I’m sure.
This is really cool! I would not be this exciting to talk about
my life! Isn’t is scary to have strangers read about you?
I’m just tooooo out of date!
LOVE YOU !
I love it. Can you put me on some sort of list when you make a new post. I will also send the link to my other non Gordonston mom friends.
Good luck, hope you become famous.
xoxox, j
oh–never mind just saw the button. LOL
Andrea,
I am Julie’s mom and I think your blog is so good.
I really enjoyed reading it and it really makes you laugh and that is a good thing!
Can’t wait to read more!
Jackie Zearley
You GO girl! Love it!
xoxo
I love your blog! I followed a link from the Paula Deen website.
I find your honesty refreshing and funny! Can’t wait for the next one!
Thanks Xenia! Always nice to hear from non relatives
(I am nothing without you my dear relatives–I’m just saying). I’m going to work on a once-a-week post. I can’t seem to function without deadlines!
I also was drawn to your site by Paula Dean. I have already promoted you to my friends on facebook, so expect a huge following of 40 somethings with grandkids. Oh, and about the comment of an only child…famous last words they are and have been said by the best of us. But, just so you know, they are all perfect when they’re yours.
Thanks for the publicity Tina! But she really IS perfect. Just ask my husband. OK, I see the error of my logic…
Wow, Andrea! I love it all. Just surfed a bit as a fun way to procrastinate doing homework and look forward to coming back for more. I’ll post your site on my Facebook page and a reference to your work on PaulaDeen.com. Lots of moms I know appreciate the art of wearing, and not wearing, make-up well. Everyone I know could use a chuckle about marriage and parenting : ) Cheers to you and your amazing work!!
Thanks, Beth! I’ve decided Blogging is the best way to procrastinate. And it gets me writing on a regular basis. A little therapy mixed in as well! When you start yours, let me know! I’m technologically impaired, but wordpress is pretty friendly.
Would love to start but…..that’s the hardest part : ) I think once we start, it’ll be hard to stop. Will let you know.
Andrea!
I’m no mom, but I LOVE your blog!
Brooke,
Now that’s a compliment!
Andrea – I just read your article on Paula Deen and loved it. Keep up the entertaining-yet-honest approach!
Thanks for reading, Amanda! I’m posting a new Culinary Coward on Paula’s site each month. You won’t want to miss the next one (March)–just made the recipe tonight. As you can see, I survived. Barely.
Your posts make me smile….and laugh!! Im excited to now be able to follow the lives of the chosen one, the husband and the mom without makeup!!
Love this!
I found you on PaulaDeen’s facebook page and I laughed so hard…an awesome feat for me so early in the morning. Your blogs are real life but comical…nice job and look forward to reading more.
Thanks Terri! The Culinary Coward posts on Paula Deen the 1st Monday of every month. Hope you keep reading! And thanks for checking out the blog!
Am a new arrival at your blog via Paula Deen & find it full of good cheer. I’ve read several posts and have had such good laughs. I’m looking forward to each new post. Keep up the good writing, Andrea!
Thanks Chris! I hope to have a new post up this weekend (we’ve made our annual pilgrimage to WA state this past week, which kept me a little busy). But I do have a new Culinary Coward that just posted on Paula Deen. It’s about grilling ribs. It’s embarrassing, of course.
Best,
A
Hey Andrea!
Been lurking your blog for a while but never dropped you a line – sorry about that! Just wanted to say I really enjoy your blog! Annie was just here a few weeks ago and that was great! She told us about the robo-horse… too funny! Take care!
Aloha,
Scott
Thanks Scott! I really wish we could make it out your way. That’s quite a flight from Savannah… Someday soon, I hope! Yeah, if you ever need a “pet” horse, I know where you can get one
.
Your blog is very entertaining and engaging when I should be doing other things that need my attention! Motherhood is an experience and now I am in the teen and young child stage…having an only child for the first 7 years of his life has been adventurous to say the least! My daughter, who is 6 keeps him on his toes and in line. Looking forwards to reading updates on your blog.
You’ve got a definite gift of enticing a reader into your world with details of everyday life we can identify with.
Congrats and much success. You have a wonderful family. Keep up the good work.
I just discovered your blog. I was at work so I had to control my laughter. You truly found your voice and it is wonderful. I’m going to keep a watch out for all you publications. Thanks for brightening up my work day.
Hello!
I come to you via Paul Deen’s Facebook sharing of one of your cooking (mis)adventures as The Culinary Coward, “Straight-Jacket Potatoes”. You had me rolling on the floor laughing too!
After that, I just had to check out your website. You have a real gift. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Thank you, Naomi! You made my day
. Check back to Paula’s site for a new Culinary Coward each month…as long as I don’t set my house on fire.
Andrea,
I just spent the last five or so minutes at my desk (which is in the front of my office suite) laughing myself into tears! I love your blog and share your affinity for being quite literal myself which makes reading recipes as well as other publications quite hilarious sometimes!
Keep sharing and cooking…you’ve made my day and I’m sharing the link to Paula Deen’s Newsletter with my friends. Thanks for the laughter and tears!
Thanks Becki!!!
Hi Andrea, I just read your article in Modernmom.com about having just one child and I totally loved it, because is pretty similar to my own opinion about the topic. I entered your page and loved it too. Congrats, you’re really an amazing writer. And im looking fwd to reading new stuff
My mom just forwarded me your post “In Praise of Teachers” and it brought back many fond (and not so fond) memories from my stint as parent volunteer for my son’s preschool class a few years ago. Boy, preschool IMO is the toughest to teach and yet the teachers grossly underpaid & under appreciated.
Anyhow, love your blog and I’m your newest fan, thanks to mom
Glad you found me, Lisa!
You make me LOL and inspire me to want to read more funny-business….or something. Anyway, I may be coming out to Atlanta, sometime in the next few months. I asked your sister where you lived in GA and she said Savannah….so if Chad, Isabelle and I ever get down there like I think we might, we’d love to see you!
Thanks for the laugh tonight!
Greta (Your seeesters friend)
Thanks for your note, Greta! Yes, let me know if you are down this way and we can get together. Also, if you need any help figuring out what to do for entertainment, I’ll be happy to provide some suggestions. Fun!
I love your about page and laughed out loud when you spoke about your daughter’s nanny dropping her off at preschool! I emerge like the other respectable mothers at pick up, too! How do those women manage to get it together in the morning?
I just subscribed and look forward to reading more from you! I appreciate your candid and well-written posts. -Elizabeth
Thanks, Elizabeth! I followed your link on parenting without a parachute and loved the entries!
Just stumbled onto your blog. I have a feeling I’m really going to like it and will be visiting a lot. You’ll inspire me to blog more…thanks!
Thanks, Mary!
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